BILL NUMBER: S2171
SPONSOR: PARKER
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public service law, in relation to transfers of
cable systems
 
PURPOSE OF THE BILL:
To continue the Public Service Commission's strengthened oversight of
cable systems transfers and mergers.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Subdivision 3 of section 222 of the public service law, as
added by chapter 83 of the law 1955, is amended
Section 2: This act shall take effect immediately and shall apply to any
application pending before the public service commission on such date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Chapter 57 of the Laws of 2014 (Part R) provided that system transfers
or mergers could not be approved unless the petitioner(s) demonstrated
that such actions are in the public interest. Unfortunately, that law
expired on April 1, 2017. Permanently reinstating statutory provisions
requiring applicants seeking to transfer or merge cable systems to
affirmatively demonstrate such actions will be in the public interest
and allows the Commission to continue the improved oversight provided by
the 2014 law. To date, the Commission has reviewed various proposed
mergers under this law, and obtained substantial benefits for customers,
notably in the Time Warner-Charter merger (Case 15-M-0388) and the
Cablevision-Altice merger (Case 15-M-0647). Permanent application of
this authority will allow the Commission to continue its work in
protecting consumers while considering opportunities and efficiencies
for both consumers and cable companies.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24; S4847-REFERRED TO ENERGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
2021-22: S7085 - REFERRED TO ENERGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately and shall apply to any applica-
tion pending before the public service commission on such date.

Statutes affected:
S2171: 222 public service law, 222(3) public service law